Bob Lutz officially retired from General Motors in 2010, but is still very much a part of the working force. In addition to his advising roles at both GM and Lotus, Lutz recently joined another car company seeking some automotive magic.
Lutz recently joined VIA Motors, an Orem, Utah-based electric vehicle start up that develops and produces hybrid powertrains for trucks. According to a report by Automotive News, he “will help the company raise money and get its foot in the door as it seeks partnerships with automakers.”
VIA Motors currently purchases Chevrolet Silverados and swaps in its powertrain. The company plans to test about 35 vehicles with fleet customers this fall. The powertrain is similar to the Chevy Volt and will run 40 miles on electric power before switching to a gas-powered generator. In an email to Automotive News, Lutz stated that VIA Motors’ powertrain “makes even more sense, economically, in large vehicles” and has a goal of reaching into “the 100mpg range.”
